How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter (Step by Step, Every Major Brand)
Sources checked: October 21, 2026. This guide summarizes the manufacturer pages linked at the end. CodeFix Home is independent of all appliance brands, and this guide has not been reviewed by a licensed appliance technician.
Quick answer
Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter in the floor of the tub, under the lower rack. Remove the rack, twist the filter counterclockwise to unlock it, lift it out, rinse it under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush. Reinstall it by turning clockwise until it drops in and locks. How often depends on how many loads you run and how much food goes in with the dishes — anywhere from once a year to weekly (table below).
Safety first: let the dishwasher cool and make sure it’s off before reaching into the tub. Watch for broken glass in the sump; protective gloves help. Samsung warns that your hand can get caught between the rotor and the filter, and never to run the dishwasher without its filters in place. Safety disclaimer
Signs your filter needs cleaning
- Visible food debris on the filter.
- Gritty residue or food particles left on “clean” dishes.
- Standing water or slow draining (see dishwasher not draining).
- Unpleasant odors from the tub.
Step by step (two-part filter, Maytag/Whirlpool style)
- Pull out and remove the lower rack.
- Turn the upper (cylindrical) filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Lift the lower (flat) filter slightly and pull it forward.
- Rinse both under the faucet. If food is stuck, soak them in warm water for a few minutes. Scrub deposits gently with a soft brush, sponge or old toothbrush. Don’t use a wire brush or scouring pad — they can damage the filter.
- Wipe out the filter opening and check the sump for debris (glass, bones, seeds).
- Set the lower filter back under its tabs, place the upper filter on top and turn it clockwise until it drops into place and locks. If it still turns freely, it isn’t seated.
Samsung dishwashers
Samsung uses a coarse filter with a cylindrical fine (micro) filter underneath. Turn the coarse filter handle counterclockwise to unlock it and lift it out, remove the fine filter, and press the tabs to separate the two parts for cleaning. When reinstalling, don’t put the fine filter in upside down, and turn the coarse filter clockwise until it is fully locked — a loose cover reduces filtering. The Samsung page we cite is from its Australian support site, so check your US model’s manual for any differences.
How often to clean it (Maytag guidance)
| How you prepare dishes | Loads per week | Clean the filter |
|---|---|---|
| Washed before loading | 1–14 | Once a year |
| Scraped and rinsed | 1–7 | Once a year |
| 8–14 | Twice a year | |
| Scraped only | 1–7 | Twice a year |
| 8–14 | Every three months | |
| Not scraped or rinsed | 1–3 | Every two months |
| 4–7 | Monthly | |
| 8–12 | Every two weeks | |
| 13–14 | Weekly |
Source: Maytag (Canada) filter-cleaning guide. Your owner’s manual may give a different interval for your model.
If your dishwasher has no removable filter
Some older or specific models use a self-cleaning filter system instead of a removable one. Your owner’s manual will say which type you have — find your model number first.
When to call a professional
- The filter is cracked, warped, or won’t lock into place (a replacement part may be needed).
- Water still won’t drain after a thorough cleaning.
- Something is lodged deep in the pump area that you can’t remove by hand.
Related guides
Official sources
- Maytag Canada — How to clean a dishwasher filter (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Samsung Australia — How do I clean the filters in my dishwasher? (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Whirlpool — Dishwasher not draining (checked Oct 21, 2026)
General information only; follow your owner’s manual. Featured image: illustration, not a photograph.
